SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois lawmakers approved a partial spending plan Thursday that would ensure schools stay open another year and give colleges and human service programs funding for six months, a rare bipartisan accomplishment but one that won’t end the yearlong gridlock on a full budget.
The Democratic-led House and Senate overwhelmingly passed the plan, and Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner signed it later Thursday, the last day of the fiscal year.
Democratic leaders and Rauner crafted the agreement after days of negotiations amid increased public pressure to avoid entering a second fiscal year without spending certainty.